Las Ramblas, Barcelona

The old city meets the modern in Las Ramblas, a series of pedestrian streets lined by outdoor markets, shops, cafes, and restaurants. To stroll through this bustling district is to walk through the history and culture of one of the world’s most exciting urban centers. Celebrated poet Federico García Lorca once described it as "the only street in the world which I wish would never end." Famous for its throbbing urban energy, this colorful avenue and tree-lined walkway are one of the busiest areas in the city, so it’s not surprising that it’s constantly thronged by tourists. To avoid crowds, head down some of the smaller side streets, where you can find inexpensive souvenirs, friendly locals, and live music. Plan your visit to Las Ramblas and a wealth of other attractions, well-known and undiscovered, using our Barcelona vacation planner .

the most famous, lively street visited, photographed colorful, multi-ethnic tourist, chaotic Street of Barcelona.... I could continue with at least 10 more adjectives. La rambla can be defined in 100 ways and all are suitable for it. it's the way that connects pl. Catalunya at port vell ends at the Columbus monument actually then continues with the Laram of the sea. it's 1.2 km long. the name comes from the Arabic rambl which means sand was probably a buried waterway. in fact it says Les Rambles in Catalan and Las Ramblas in Castilian: plural because it is divided into strokes. it's easy to find street artists even if there are far fewer of them than in the past. stalls of all kinds and restaurants of more or less famous chains line it. to visit along the way the Boqueria market. I got to stay in a hotel along the way and found that la Rambla never sleeps.